Dawn's Early Light — Elswyth Thane

Sovereign Nation, Captive Heart

1774. Beneath the colonial charm of Williamsburg seethes a rebellion about to explode. Behind closed doors, young revolutionaries clash in a hot debate, while Colonel Washington dines alone at the Governor's Palace. Soon all -- men, women, lovers and warriors -- will be swept up by the fires of revolution, fighting for one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all. As war looms, beautiful young Tibby Mawes, brilliant and irresistible, newly risen from the servant class, vows to seek her education as an equal among men. She captivates her schoolmaster, Julian Day, a proud Tory shocked by the seditious talk around him struggling to understand his own loyalties -- and his feelings for the entrancing Tibby. Soon Julian is forced to choose -- between his native land and the colonial cause -- and the child-woman who has captured his heart and soul.